'Complete tragedy': Tributes for boy killed in fatal primary school crash

The incident happened at Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, 7km from Melbourne's CBD, just after 2.30pm on October 29.

The 11-year-old boy, identified as Jack Davey, was taken to hospital with critical injuries but later died.

The 40-year-old female driver had just collected her child when she performed a U-turn and crashed through the fence into a table where the five children were seated, police said.

Two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital.

The four children remained in hospital on October 30. All are in a stable condition.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Jack's basketball team to help his family "during this heartbreaking time".

The GoFundMe said Jack "was a valued member of the Titans basketball community, Gladiators football club and keen futsal player".

The football club said they were "deeply saddened" following the tragedy in a post to Facebook.

"Our hearts are with the families impacted directly, as well as all Auburn South Primary School students, parents, teachers and other affected members of our community."

Australian Futsal Association paid tribute to their "cherished player" Jack and shared condolences to his family.

"His talent shone brightly as he represented Victoria Futsal at the National Titles for the past two years," the association said.

They said earlier this year, Jack earned a place on the Australian U12 Boys touring team that visited Fiji.

"He left a lasting impression on and off the court. Jack was a vital member of that team as they won the Championship."

Auburn South Primary School principal Marcus Wicher said the crash was a "complete tragedy".

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Jack's family and friends and our thoughts are also with our four students who remain in hospital, and their families," he said.

"We are entirely focused on the welfare of our students, staff and broader school community."

Mr Wicher thanked staff, parents and emergency services who helped and provided comfort.

He said the response from the community had been "overwhelming" and extended "heartfelt thanks" to everyone who had reached out with offers of support.

"Our school community is so wonderful and strong, and together we will get through this," he said.

The driver was arrested at the scene and later released pending further enquiries.

Her passenger, a primary school-aged child, was not injured.

Police believe the vehicle was travelling along Burgess Street when it left the road and crashed through the school fence.

"It appears it is a tragic accident," Inspector Craig McEvoy told reporters at the scene.

The exact cause of the incident is being investigated.

More than a dozen police officers remained at the scene late October 29 working on the white vehicle which was lodged past the school's grey steel fence in front of a picnic table.

The car had a green P-plate, but Insp McEvoy said he was not certain of the woman's licence status.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded to the incident.

"Paramedics were called to an incident in Hawthorn East around 2:40pm today (29 October)," the spokesperson said.

"Multiple Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics attended the scene."

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan and state education minister Ben Carroll met with the principal of Auburn South Primary School in the hours after the tragedy and "offered every support available".

Ms Allan said "a dark shadow has been cast" over Melbourne and Victoria in a post to Facebook.

"I'm sending my love and thoughts to the students, their families and the whole school community. And my thanks to the first responders on the scene," she said.

"I know tonight Victorians will be thinking of Auburn South Primary, and holding our kids even closer."

Mr Carroll wrote on X he was "monitoring the terrible incident" and had asked the Department of Education to be on "standby" to provide support.

"I'll be thinking of the whole school community in the days and weeks ahead," he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as an "unspeakable tragedy" and a "horrible, horrific accident".

"To think that Jack Davey went to school yesterday and didn't come home, I think fills everybody's hearts with sadness and we're thinking about everyone who knew him today," he said.

A Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said their thoughts were with the "entire" Auburn South Primary School community.

"We are working closely with staff, students and parents of the school to support them during this deeply distressing time," the spokesperson said.

"We will provide further information as soon as we can."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

With AAP